ELDERLY people had wet themselves and residents could be heard calling out for help at a residential home, inspectors found.

One person living at Andrew Smith House in Nelson, repeatedly seeking permission to go to the bathroom, was even ignored as Care Quality Commission officials toured the Marsden Hall Road North facility.

Several enforcement actions have been flagged up over residents’ dignity, staffing, medicines safety and infection control by the CQC for the home, which has been rated ‘inadequate’.

A CQC inspector said in a report: “We observed other people being left wet and observed some unsafe moving and handling procedures.

“Some vulnerable people in their rooms were calling out for staff support and it was unclear how often staff were checking on them and re-positioning them.”

Fifty-five people, with either dementia, physical disabilities or mental health needs, or requiring nursing care, were resident at the premises at the time. The capacity is 60.

The inspectors believed that staff levels were low and concerns were raised about staff training and inductions.

“Staff were generally caring and tried hard to support people as best they could in the difficult circumstances,” added the CQC official though.

The inspection, in November, was conducted after concerns were raised about the management of the service.

Sue Lace, managing director of Stocks Hall which owns Andrew Smith House, said: “We run six care homes and we have never been in this situation before.

“Historically we have had difficulties in recruiting a manager there but in October we made an appointment and there has been a great deal of change there.

"If they came back now then I am confident that the home would not be in the same situation.”

Mrs Lace said that the company was working closely with the CQC and Lancashire County Council to address all of the issues raised in the report.

An action plan had been drawn up and staff, who she praised for their loyalty and hard work, were also being supported through the process, she added.

Another inspection will take place there within six months.